Discussions about a dog park continue in Fort Pierce

FORT PIERCE — Because of budget concerns, commissioners want the staff to proceed - but slowly - on a proposal to create a dog park at Maravilla Park.

A Parks Advisory Committee recently presented the commission a report that suggests converting a .75-acre section on the east side of Maravilla Park, 2622 Oleander Ave., into a public dog park. The park would include fencing, equipment, picnic shelters and benches at an estimated cost of $54,000.

Commissioners had requested last September that the committee explore the creation and location of such a park. The 10-member committee looked at several areas, but found Maravilla Park had restrooms for potential pet owners and availability of water to set up the park, according to planner Erica Ganzi, who served on the committee.

Four-foot fencing could separate large and small dogs along with equipment for pets and shelter for owners. The parcel is centrally located for local residents and there are no plans for another use.

The committee conducted a public survey online and through mailings to area residents about a possible dog park. Based on 280 responses, 76 percent favored a municipal dog park and 71 percent showed interest in a dog park at Maravilla.

Commissioner Reginald Sessions inquired about using Lawnwood Park where many people already take dogs. Ganzi noted that park and others are used unofficially by pet owners and do not allow dogs, according to city and county regulations. Lawnwood has future plans to turn the areas into ball fields.

"This is a place you will be allowed to bring your pet," she said about the Maravilla project.

Deputy City Manager Nick Mimms explained: "We have dogs running all over the place in parks. It's just a way of life," adding that a dog park with amenities would solve much of the problem.

Commissioner Rufus Alexander asked about liability and insurance on the part of the city. City Attorney Rob Schwerer said the park would be covered under insurance the city has for all parks and that liability, in cases such as dog bites or attacks, would be the responsibility of the owners, according to Florida state law.

Sessions expressed concern about funding available in the city budget at this crucial economic time when money can be spent elsewhere, such as maintaining salaries for an efficient police force.

Commissioners agreed that money should be an issue. Commissioner Tom Perona pointed out that even the construction of a four-foot fence could provide a dog park as a start. Although Mimms said capital is available through city and park budgets, Mayor Linda Hudson said she favored the dog park as long as the project proceeds slowly with cost factors in mind.

Commissioners will formally instruct city staff to report back with suggestions on starting the public dog park at a slower pace with fewer costs.